University News

COVID-19 Update from UMass PHPC: Information on Boosters and Vaccines for Children

On Thursday, the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) sent an email to the campus community sharing the availability of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as announcing a dedicated pediatric COVID-19 clinic on Nov. 12. The continuation of low positivity rates on campus was also reported.

That email is as follows:

Dear Campus Community:

The UMass Amherst Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) has been busy giving both flu shots and COVID-19 boosters. We strongly encourage all those eligible to get these shots.

In accordance with new updated federal CDC and Massachusetts Department Public (MADPH) guidance, children ages 5 to 11 who live or go to school in Massachusetts are now eligible to get the Pfizer vaccine. The PHPC will host a pediatric only (ages 5-11) COVID-19 vaccine clinic next week on Friday, Nov. 12 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Appointments will be available soon on the vaccine appointment scheduling page. Please visit the UMass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic website to view the complete hours of the clinic’s operation.

As a reminder, there are now booster recommendations for all three (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Pfizer and Moderna

Individuals in the following groups are eligible to receive a booster shot at least six months after completion of their primary two dose series:

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen

All individuals 18 and older are able to receive a booster shot at least two months after their J&J/Janssen vaccine.

CDC recommendations also allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which booster vaccine they want. Some people may want the type they originally received; others may prefer to get a different booster.

Following the CDC and Massachusetts Department Public Guidance, people age 18+ who work or reside in schools are eligible for booster doses six months after completion of their Pfizer or Moderna primary series.

Latest COVID-19 Data

Please visit the UMass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic website to determine if you are eligible and to schedule an appointment by going to the Vaccine Appointment Scheduling page.

The latest UMass Amherst data covering Oct. 27- Nov. 2 shows 14 new COVID-19 positive cases. The university’s cumulative seven-day positivity rate is 0.29%. The state’s seven-day positivity rate is 1.81%. Most cases are of short duration resulting in mild-to-moderate illness. One staff member remains hospitalized. Details about case counts and vaccinations can be found on the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard, which is updated every Thursday.

As a reminder COVID-19 can be given at the same time as your annual flu shot.  If you are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose and have not received your annual flu shot yet, you can get them at the same time.  UMass students, faculty and staff, please schedule your flu vaccination appointments through the Campus Health Hub. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against influenza.

Please remember that the steps you take make an important difference. Continue to care for yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,

Co-Directors of the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC)

Ann Becker, Public Health Director
Jeffrey Hescock, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety